Method of and means for cyclic current control



fm .fw m. aix lIubo PWIWYHW f L April 22, 1930. w; B JONES 1,755,479

' @mouw-AND MEANSOR GYGLIG CURRENT VCONTROL V Filed April-28.. 1924.. 4 sheet-sheet, 1

AND WAVEENEHGY. -f bmi-3:3 MU-WU* .l April 22,1930. w; B. JNES Y 1,755,479

METHOD AND MEANS FOR CYCLIC CURRENT CONTRCL Filed April 28, 1924 4 sheets-sheet 2Q AND WAVE ENERGY. LFOSS iSVGnCG lzxemmrwr I @3l April 22 .1930. w. E. JONES METHOD '0F ANDI'MEANS FOR CYGLIC QUERENT CONTROL Filed April 2B. '1924 @Sheets-Shee- 34 l-.Auunuul April 2 2.,l 1930. w. B. JONES 1,755,479

Y METHOD-0F ND MEANS FOR YGLIC CURRENT CONTROL 'Filed April 28,' 1924 v` 4 sheets-sheet 4 4 COULOHBS A zwaluw" u llf PERES Q butto one familiar Y l, conduction.' 'By way ofillustrationof its practical ap- .15 plication the` invention is hereinset forth 1n asf Parenfl pafzz, i930 UNITED 'STA T'Es PATEN T OFFICE l W. Banrmarr JoNEsQoF cnrcaeofrnrnvors Application led April 28,5

This invention lie-s generally in theiield of electrochemistry and Vrelates particularly to' a method of and means for applying and con- 7"- trolling electric' currents. E V i "5 The invention lhas special reference to, ,j electrolytic chemist-ry in aqueous solutions,

with other electrochemical fields it is 'apparent that the'p'rinciples f. herein set forth-may in their 'broadest aspect-l iobe applicableY to other special fields, s uch as electrolysis-offused salts, electric arcs,'elec tric furnaces, and gaseouselectrochemical considerable detail as -it applies to the field ofelectrolytic chemistry. I

.Heretofore, electrolytic chemical reactions'V A.have been carried out commercially withl colif '20 tinuou'sly iovving currents in cellsl irmt'hich'` 1 vide for the ythe two electrodes function one as a cathodeand the otheras'an-anode, there being sublstantially no change in the current iowing through eachelectro eg.' In such a ease each electrode operates at ,st-certain potential, that is, an electromotive vvforce .exists between the electrode and the solution in the cell. This 4electron'iotive force hereinafter referred'to. as the electrode potential. The-latter'is-a so different value from' the Vso-called singlev electrode potential, which is thatelectromotive force which exists at equilibriumbe- 4twee' 1 1' 'a solution and an electrode immersed Aitherein, when `no current'ilows'therebetween. Beginning' with the last mentioned state, the potential o?- the electrode' changes when acontinuous current flows therethrough and seeks to approach*` an equilibrium condition lknown as the polarizing potential, the 40 value of Whichde'pends upon' many factors,l includin'g the character of the solution, the material of the electrode', the current density,

2 temperature and still'others. v

"It is usually an incident toordinary electrolyti'c reactions 'that the electrode operates at this polarizing potential. In the case o reduction (or oxidation) the reducing (or oxidizing) actio is more. powerful, the higher the polarization potential. In practice, however, the vcommerciallyr practical limits the. field ofusefulness latter class-may, usin tentlals, as 'for instance,

' cal electrode materials 'the .electrode current so as to .rise and'fal may be.

mg description eiective in the electrode, after 1924.4 4serial iin.: voas.'

electrode materials, as for example lead, give a high polarization potential. j This fact -of such materials to'those reactions which'require a high potential, thereby eliminating that class 55- o'freactions lrequiring lower potentials.' The however, be carried out by.A certain electrodesgiving' 4flower pogj platinum, but in' general many'such eldsea'nnot be 'exploit- 60 ed commerciallyi' Investigators have' long -sought fori-'some way'to overcome these olijec- A tions,'so as to make Athecommerciallypractif; availablefithelbwer potential reactions:

, 'csf It is' an object o'f this invention to control prevent-the continued existence of the high polarizing po tential ofanelectrode. A

Anotherobject of invention is tov proiowing of the currentin a rapid succession of. re ating cycles 'during vwhich a rise andl fall o electrode .potential may take Anotherobject of the invention' is toypro- Vide regulatingmeans so tha-t' the periods 01E relatively changed Within'the-oyc1e. A -4 Y Another object-of the invention isto provide for hastening or delaying the rise or fall of the'potetialg'?4 Still another-object 'is to provide for reversing the current through the electrode for aregu'ired period of time-without necessarily changing'the cathodi (or a'nodic). character of the electrode.' r 4 1 'Still another object is to provide a system which enables theoperatorto determine the prevailingconditions in order to regulate the` current inthe various parts of the cyclel 9o Still other'objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the followof onevmethod of determin ing, for the purpose bfucontrol, the course of events taking lace Within the cycle. y Tlie'princlpie upon which my invention is present instance is that each the How of current there'- through, to or from a solution', temporarily stores a portion of energy, electrochemi ND WAi/ii ENERGY ,after the removal of theimpressed voltage,

'determined by many factors and are at the .n most somewhat obscure even to the well ifonmed. The common lead storage cell is an example of hi h capacity for storage andn also of great sta ility.

several Ways: (1) by depolarizing substances in thesolution, (2)' by self-decomposition,

non eing extremely complex and variable according to the specific conditions. It is pos-v sible also to hasten the destruction Vof' the stored energy'by sending a reverse currentv But in the last inf.

through the electrode. stance, when the stored energy has been re'- moved the electrode will change its character leither from cathode to anode or from anode,

to cathode, as the case may be, such change hereinafter being referred to as a change mf functional character.

In order to explain as clearly as possible the nature of my invention, 'I have chosen to illustrate two applications thereof, one involving direct current alone and the other 'Involving both alternatmg and direct current. ,ln the accompanying drawings I have shown-.electrical connections, a

paratus,and some result curves which will e referred to hereinafter.A more in detail to illustrate the invention In'the drawings:

Figure 1 illustrates diagrammatically an electrical arrangement for intermittent current impulses-through an electrolytic cell.-

Fig. 2 shows in detail an apparatus for producing the current impulses.

Fig. 3 1s a. diagram showing ment of Fig. 1 and the apparatusof Fig. 2 in operating relationship.

Fig. 4. shows a.'cross-section-0 a contact device, being a cross-section on the line of Fig. 5.

Fig. 5 is an elevation of the contact device. Figs. 6 and 7 represent electrode potentials measured during intermittent periods when no current ilows. A

Fig. 8 represents comparative electrode potentials showing the decrease 'caused by the presence of a depolarizer. l

Fig. 9 is"a diagrammatic view of an electrical scheme for superimposing in anelec trode an alternating current on a direct current, .and for determining' the'results produced. 4

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 shows results produced from the arrangement of Fig. 9.

Fig. 13 shows results obtained when a func! tional change of the electrode takes place.

Fig. 14: shows the effect produced by a Ul U The storage effec may be rapidly destroyed in ashort .timeinl through the cell. mentioned. arrangement -1s' to constitute the the arrange- I,

` 1 Referring to Fig. 1, I show an electroyltic cell 10 equipped with five electrodes, A, B, C, Dand E, the-'last mentioned being connected urrentsnuit-ce.V -The negative side 412 is connected `to 'each of the other electrodes as 'athodes through-'an interrupting device 13.

eaclro, r in.- rapid succession, the *arrange- Las anode to the positive side -11 of `a-direct This-,device is arranged "to make and break V'leachcathode circuit 5to produce therein a' `workin period and an idle period 4following and (3) by other physical or chemical action, f or b any combination of these, the phenome fiowsthrough at least one circuitin order to prevent a complete cut-0E` of the currentl I The purpose ofzthis last electrodes A, B, C, and D, in combination with the interrupting device 13, as an electrode system, permitting a continued ow of current therethrough regardless of the intermittent iow` in the separate electrodes.

By this arrangement the anode may function continuously as such whilecach cathode functions' intermittently as such. The device' 13 'is arranged to adjust the relative time periods of the active and idle portions of the cycle both within the cycle for any one electrode and with reference to the cycles for the other electrodes. z

In Fig. Eis-shown plishesthe functions of the devicel3. This consistsV of a rotary-shaft 14. driven by a variable speed motor 15. Upon the shaft are mounted cylinders 16 having fractional portions of their-surfaces adapted for cony tact electrically with a. suitable brush. One

,suchcylinder may be provided for as many electrodes 'Aa B, C, and D as are used 1n connection therewith. In Fig. 3 there is represented aldeyeloped surface of one such cylinderfQmP-fisllg two: separate triangular forms 17,'aiid18`-wrappedaround the cylinder and insulated from each other at 19. Contact rings 20 and 21 tinued a device' which accomare constructed ad- -j acent or integral therewithfor securing conlectrical contact tothe portions 17 and 18 as the latter are rotated. By rotating such a cylinder a brush in contact therewith creates a closed'circuit for'any ldesired portion of one revolutionacccrdling to the adjustment o` the brushjalong the cylinder axially of the shaft 14.'.1Eich cylinder is rotatably adjustableonlthe 'shaftl4 by suitable .means as the s'crew'i22 in order to adjust the relativeinstants of make "and break. v

I choose to'illustrate the' application of this type of cylinder (Fig, 3l in connection with theA arrangement of Fig. 1, using only two cathodes. A and D. For this purpose one cylinder will' suffice. A brush 23 is shown of any suicient size to contact both sides 17 andv'18 ofthe cylinder 1.6 across the ini sulating space 19 therebetween. Likewise two other brushes '24 and 25 are shown for the contact rings 20 and 2l. Suitable brush holders 26 for the various brushes are mountedslidably on rods 27 which are arranged parallel to the shaft 14. `By adjusting the V- positionof the brush 23 axially along the cylinder-the ratio of the active and the idle periods of any one electrode, say electrode D, may be varied at will. vB y varying the speed of the motor the time of such lperiods may be varied at will. Thusany predetermined pe.-

riodfor all electrodes may be obtained by a 'in connection therewith.

It isthe. custom inthe art to measure the electrode potentials by the compensation method of 'Poggendorf This consists of opposing the potential of the electrode to be measured byan equal potential the value of which can be readily varied and ascertained. This results in measuring voltage or electrical pressure without drawing energy therefrom, whereby to weaken or destroy the value being measured. As in the present instance the stored energy is the primary consideration it is therefore necessary to use someV such method which is not destructive ofthe value being determined. Heretofore, in the art the potentials to be measured have been practically constant so that the application of the I Poggen'dorf'methodl hasshad no disadvantages. The use of a series of repeating cycles involving active andidlel periods for the electrode results in a discontinuous' value,-

repeating under` .equilibrium conditions. Therefore, ameans has been devised to obtain nearly instantaneous values by contact 'to the electrode at the same point in the lsuccessive cycles, thereby furnishing a constant value at periodic intervals which can be meas lured by suitable sensitive means much as any continuous value lwould be measured. v Furthermore, means is provided to move the' conta'ct point to any part of the cycle.

This contact device is illustraited diagrammatically by numeral 28 in. Figs'. 1 and 3 in connection with electrode D. A wire 29 is connected toelectrode D and the device 28. A second wire 30 leads from the device to a potentiometer 3l embodying the Poggendorf system. or to any other suitable and sensitive 'device for the purpose. A standard reference electrode 32 having a known potenti-al between its metallic portion and the solution 'constituting' it in part, as the calomel o'r hyand a wire 33 leads lfrom .the reference electrode to the potentiometer. Thus'the wires 30 and 33 contain inl circuit therewith the electrode. D and the solution, the potential between which it is desired to measure. The contactv device 28 is arranged to close-the circuit therethrough nearly instantaneously -once per cycle and is hence associated with thecycle producer. It is represented in con- `and is shown mounted onthe shaft 14 in portion of the circumference of the disk by virtue of its triangular form, much as the 'cylinder 16 is constructed. By' contacting the'tip 38 of such insert, an. instantaneous value may be measured. But the ordinary apparatus is not capable of doing this, so a more prolonged contact is made I have found that l" of the circumference is suiicient to obtain distinctly measurable values with ordinary available potentiometer systems. A brush 39 in the form of a spring wire contact is adjustably mounted with ref= erence to the disk 35 for adjustment axially` along the insert and adjustable radially about the rotating disk to vary the position of contact in the cycle. Two annular side brackets 40 with retaining flanges 4l are rigidly held to blocks 42 by the strips 42a secured to the brackets 40 and to the blocks 42 which are slidable along the fixed rods 27 parallel to the shaft 1'4. A screw 43 holds either block in adjusted position, which position determines the arc ofcontact made'at each revolution. Between the brackets is a fiber ring-44 held concentrically with the' axis of rotation able within the brackets 40. A metallic ring s drogen electrode, is immersed in the cell l()4 45 is mounted rigidly on the fiber ring and i ,'has its circumference notched intoA subdivisions Of 360.- A square hole 46 is provided through'the fiber ring for a square plug 47. carrying the spring brush 39. The plug has its tip 48 pointed to make electrical contact with thev ring 45.` An insulating strip 49 j spans thetwo brackets 40 and carries a binding post 50 and a spring detent finger 51- which engages the notches in the ring 45. The rin'ghas a suitable dial 52 inscribed thereon to determine a recordable position `:for the ring as the point of Contact in the cycle. The cont-act device serves to make and break a circuit. @ne connection to the device ismade through the post 50 while the other is made to the insert 37 through a radial exnhl it .ttf titl Y liiltuud.

aai

' carbon brush 54 contacts the extension at the center of rotation.

The operationv of the above described apparatus is as follows: Referring to Figs. 2, 3, 6 and' 7 the brush 23has been set so that the electrode D has 12% of the cycle active and 88% of the cycle idle. During the activeperiod let a relatively high current flow through the electrodeat adensity of 0.75 amperes per square inch of area. Fig. 6 horizontally represents time in cycle funits, and represents vertically volts determined by the potentiometer 31, yThe parts of Fig; 6 incompleted at the top of the figure lie in the active period, concerning-which there is at present no discussion as to measurements made. The motor 15 is rotated at 730 revolutions per minute giving an active period for the electrode of aboutk 0.01 seconds. At the' end of that period the current is cut off by the device 13 and measurement of potential taken by device 28 with the brush 39 placed in various positions in the idle part of the cycle. With a 10 arc of Contact for brush 39 and 730 revolutions per minute, an impulse lasting for 0.0023 seconds is received every 0.082 seconds. Curve v55 in Fig. 6 represents the measured potential using a normal calomel electrode as the reference electrode 32. The curve shows a drop in the potential as the time is prolonged. Curve 56 of Fig. 7 is derived from the same data as curve 55but is plotted to a time scale in seconds.

By increasing the'speed of the motor 15 the current of the active period may ,be reestablished before the potential has dropped so low as the point 57 in the curves 55and 56. In Fig. 6 curve 58 indicates the result obtained with a motor speed of 1150 R. P. M. Curve 59 of Fig. 7 represents curve 58 drawn to a time scale inA seconds. It is practically coincident with the curve 56'so far as it eX- tends, being terminated at 60. Itis clear then that by increasing the speed of the Imovtor the idle period may be shortened and some of the energj stored during the active period beretained above a lower limit, predetermined in part by the time permitted for dissipation in the idle period. A furtherl continued increase of speed `is represented by curves 61 and 62 of Figs. 6 and 7 respectively terminating at 63 in the timescale. It is significant here that curve 62 is below the curves 56 and By increasing the speed alone,

the act-ive period as well las the idle period is shortened, so that to permit the same extentv of saturation of the storage capacity'of the electrode the active period may be retained nearly constant byv increasing the ratio of activity to idlenessl in the cycle in proportion This is accomplished by moving brush 23 to the right in Fig. 8,

thereby increasing the active-idle ratio for velectrode D.

by the addition of a slight amount of depolarizer. In this instance the idle period was 50% of the cycle and the time of the cycle was-0.053sec. (about 1125 R. P. Curve 64C represents conditions similar to curves 55, 58 and'6I with a lead cathode D in a normal sulphuric acid solution. Curve 65 represents the result obtained with the same setting and operation as used to secure curve 6st but with some 'oil of nitrobenzene added to form a saturated solution thereof for the purpose of securing a moderately appreciable absorption of hydrogen .stored during the active period.. A

yIn F 8 the line l66 indica-tes a lower limit of potential arbitrarily chosen for illustraj tive purposes. Some chemical reactions will, j not take place below'fthis limit or perhape an'fundesirable reaction so takes place below this .limit. By. applying the measuring means and the controlling means ofthis invention the current may be re-established at the proper instant to prevent the existence at the electrode of the lower klimit at any time during the cycle. This isfso shown with reference to curve 64. I j L Sufficient discussionihasdiow lbeen given to what takes place during, the idle period. Likewise, it 4has been shownwithfwhat facility thepotential may be'measured during the idle period. This is because no current iiows through the electrode to lcomplicate the measurement. Generally speaking the amount of energyi stored on the electrode is very small soi-,that no considerable portion is available during 'the idle periol. By passage of current the energy, or preferably stated, the products set free'thereby, may be made available in proportion 'to the amount of current flowing. `The effectiveness of the absorption of suchproducts by a particular vdepolarizer is likewise dependent upon the By using the alternate periods of activity and idleness periodically to lower the electrode potential, the time efficiency is impaired owing to theV relatively long` time required for ,self-depolarization, of -the electrode. By the description hereinafter set forth I have shown a practical manner of applying a reverse curi cedurie'.

of this invention and controlling the currents.

4 rangement .for the .cell described and shwn rent in what has been above described as the Iidle period. 4The reverse current hastily removes the stored products of energy and thereby lessens the time otherwise required for that purpose in the preceding arrangement. But the application of a reverse cur rent is 'attended With Vdiiliculties which have been obstacles to others in their blind applicationl of a somewhat similar form of pro- `Byemploying the measuring means 1as determined thereby for the vdesired objects many practical advantages result.

A 'reverse current is readily produced by -supeimpgsing an alternatingentrsllhn'a direct curr t`su` I"that `prie-half ofmthe .reinforces the direct current and the other halt opposes it. By suitably adjusting the ratios of direct current to alternating ,current the reverse `current will be varied at will or even eliminated.

The combined usefof alternating and direct current to produce kan asymmetric, 4si- -nusoidal currenth'as been used by others. Various electrical methods, to produce the effecthave been used. Generally the asym- "metric current has been appliedto the usual twoelectrode cell so'that both anode and 'cathodehave partaken of the effects pro- 3c duced. Thisis usually an undesirable feature. Ordinarily', the effect is desired at but one electrode, either cathode or anode. Hereinafter I? describe thek use off an asymmetric currentasapplie'd to the cathode, but it is 35 Vto be understood tliatthe methid is equally `aplicable totheanode e I,

v'g' 9 shows such. a worlringelectricalarnegative pole''? of a direct currentsource bythe wires 68 and 69joined to the' wire 70. i TheanodeEisconnected to the positive pole 71y by the"- wire 72. A- suitable resistance 7 3 By 4the` arrangement `so lthedirect current.

equal resistance in the far. described, .l with V portions of the direct current flow through I '.Thetw'o cathodes immersed'in cell 110 pro; dulce a closedcircuitA-68#69-D#4cel1-A. Byplacinga suitable alternating current gencrater in lthis circuit, symmetrically arranged IWith' -respect to the two cathodes, anv alterhatingcurrent may begenerated and ccnfined f Withinsaid closed circuit-without entering thejdirect current circuit.` `Thisis readily accomplished by connecting the wire lto fthe-electrical" center of a secondarycoil 74 inFig. 3 having electrodeE as anode and 1 is `shown in the circuit as a means to regulate two .cathodecircuitsto the anode, equal halfi of a transformer to which coil the wires 68 and 69 are'connected. Suitable means are provided `for varying the alternating current direct current will beI just neutralized at the peak of the oppcsingwave in the alternating current. As the ratio increases above' that value the opposing wave becomes more and more effective as reverse current through each cathodev alternately. i

The potentiometer may be used to measure the cur-rent at any instant in precisely the same manner as described for the substantiallyinstantaneous values of potential of the sie electrode. For this purpose a calibrated re.-

sistance or shunt 77 is 69 so that the potential across its terminals 7 8 and 79 is proportional to the current flowing therethrough. The terminal i9 serves likewise as the connection to the electrode D which with the wire 33 from the reference electrode 32 leads tothe potentiometer 31. A switch 8() is used to throw the potentiometer circuit to measure either the electrode potential. 'A second `switch `81 is placed in the potentiometer circuit tol reverse the polarity as the same may change `in successive measurements. Wires82 and 83 lead" from the shunt 77 to the current side of switch 80. Wire 82 from the electrode D and wire 33 from'the reference electrode 32 The wire 84 leads from one central pole of switch $0 to the contacting device 28 from Lwhich wire 30 leads tothe reversing switch 8 1. The wire 85'c0mpletes` the connections frolnswitch 80 to 8 1,whence the wires 86 and 87 lead to the potentiometer system 31.

Whereas in-the prior case of-interrupted the current or i ead tothe potential side of the switch 80.

placed in the circuit direct current, the contactingdevice was opi erated by the cycle producer, it is likewise necessary in this case that the contacting de; vicebe operated-synchronously with the cycle producer of the alternating current. Where associatedwitli the generator 75, it may be operated lby a synchronous motor connectedv to the same source. In Fig'. 9 there is shown vthe synchronous 'motor armature 88 whichis connected by wires'89 tothe same A. C. line as is the transformer primary 76. The field.l

V90 of the motor may be connected by ,wires 91 ,toany suitable direct current source,| as for direct'current ofthe cell.` Any suitable means may be provided for bringing the' -synchronous motor up to the synchronous speed,

example, the'same source as. that used for the it is not convenient to have it' mechanically e 204. UHElVHS l HY, ELEG l R'ICAL AND l ll.

WAVE ENERGY.

such means being common, and Jforming no part of this invention.

The operation and control oit the foregoing system may be effected by variation of the time of the cycle by varying the. speed of the generator 7 5 and by vari ation of the alternating andthe direct currents in accordance with the- 'requirements' determined through the measuring means.Av Inthe` present instance there. is contemplated continuously flowing currents, whereas there has been above described Va method for measuring potential when no current is lowing,.as in the .idle

period.` With current flowing when `-the electrode potential measurement-smad'e', there is included in the measurem" t''an extraneous value caused byA th'eohmdl'eSistance in` the circuit. By throwing the fswitch 80 to one4 side the apparent electrode potential may be measured atany pointin the cycle. By throwing it to that pointin the cycle ma yjbe' measured. It

'had been found possible vtof-gelithe proportionality factor Vof the 4rextraneous potential.

to the current. By use ofthis factor it is a simple matter to determina"the extraneous potenti-al andl deduct itfrom'fthe measured. elect-rode potential toobtainthe true electrode potential..

A specific illustration of this" is given in l Figs. 10,11 and 12.` In Figs. 3 and 9, the electrode D is immersedin normal sulphuric arid solution with no'depolarizer present. With the arrangement 'of -F-ig.' 9 in operation such that an alternating current isfsuperimposed `on the direct currentlowi-ngthrough the electrodes A and D, the -measuringdevice 1s' set'at`various points in the cycle all the way I around the same. 'The Ohmic resi stance of the 4shunt 77 maybe, 1 ohm so'that the volts determined by the potentiometer may beread di-.

' l. rectly as amper-csr, rlfhe reference electrode 32 used in this instance wasa-fhydrogen elecv trede The vvoltage l'determine-d*by the po tentiometer when th'eswitchj80de' thrown 'to the electrode side is thaeleetrode .potential plus the extraneous voltagedue to theV ohmic resistance. 11n' Fig'l() curve`92"repre'sents'the cycle as Curve 98 measured the pot tiomete represents the chang-ingjvpltage :between the electrode D. 'and the "reference" "electrode A3.2 throughout vthe cycle, -`The larea 94 .represents that part of the cycle where reverse'cur'ent Fig. 11 showsV y obtainedv byplotting against each -other the flows. ,y

a vcvclic jcurve simultaneous values `ofciirives 92 and 93. Be-

ginning with the point 95the Vupwardly directed portion of the curve 96 represents positively increasing cathodic current through electrode D. The current rises to a maximum `value in the cycle to the point Whereater current decreases downwardly r'along 'curve 98, reaching vzero at point and 'then reversthe other side'A thecurrenttlowing at ing to form the area 100 on return to the starting point 95.r The potential measured rises and falls with the changing current. The curve 98 in descendingreaches the point- 101,

thence moves to point 102 and then back to point 95 vforming a straight line in which lie the points 101, 102 and 95. Said line is substantially parallel with the upper parts of the curves 96 and 98. It is evident that on these straight lines the voltage is directly proportional .to the current flowing, thereby giving the proportionality factor represented by the straight line 103 parallel to the other straight lines and passing through the 4 origin 104. For each value of current the ordinate of lthe line 103 may be deducted from the ordinates ofthe cyclic curve in heavy lines. The corrected values so obtained are the true electrode potentials throughout the cycle. They are shown corrected by the dotted. cyclic curve. An inspection of the dotted curve shows that the potential rises from' a value at thepoint 95 to a practically constant value along part 105 for a considerable portion ofthe cycle, namely from point 106 to point 107. The point 107 has been Originally located in the dottedcurve of Fig. 11 and then transferred to Fig. 10, in order to indicate its proper time position in thecycle. Slight displacement from its true position is ap parentdue to experimental error. The displacementv lies within 10 of the cycle, the duration of contact on the device 28. From the point 95 to 106 (Fig. 10) is vabout 12% ofthe total time of the cycle. During this portion the undesired maximum polarizing potential has been eliminated. The products therefore were discharged by the current at a lower potential than elsewhere in the cycle during the positive flow of the current. Itv

appears that atthe point- 106 theelectrode `has yits storagexcapacit'y effectively 'satisfied in some manner-,so that thereafter the .usual conditions of 'directV current electrolysis prevail'until the the current is reversed.`

The:capacityfotreverse current to remove` the sto' ragef'isf directly proportional kto the V ctrieity flowing, or, electrically speaking thefcoulombs.. By thegprinciples of wellkhown electrical mathematics the shaded' area 94bfFig. 10 represents the coulombs'of reverse current.' The true potential` l as determined by the dotted curve oFig. 11 hasbeen Aplotted in Fig. 12 against the coulombs of'reverse current determined, practi` cally, approximation or planimetrie Allueasurement of the areafof yportions of 94 in Fia-10. The curve is shown in'two parts 1308L "and 109. Part 108 shows the period in which the fall takesyplace from the maximum value of 10.5""{Fig- 11) to a practicallyconstant value along portion 109, during theexistence of which value thel stored energy isA being removed. Atthe point 110 the reverse" current becomes changed again and storage rehammer stance the reverse coulo'mbs jco'ntinue, the" stored energy 1s. a-ll removed, and theeleccommences along curve 111 till it becomes constant along'part 112 corresponding to part 105 of Fig. 11. The parts 111 and 112 are likewise plotted against couloinbs, but, in

this instance, of positive current measured from the starting point (95 in Figs. `10 and 11) The coulombs prior to reversal are plotted to indicate that direction and the curve` anode. This is the change in functional character already alluded to-in theforegoing part of this description. In Fig. '13 I show a plot derived in the same IiiannerV asFigL 12, under `the saine conditions using merely an `alternating current between velectrodes A and D. Some reference numerals in Fig. 13 areidentical with those in Fig. 12and they correspond to similar conditions in Aso far 'as they are identical. .The point of reversal 110 begins the rising part ofthe curve 111 to the constant value 112 which becomes N11.3 prior to reversal. At reversal on line 114`it reaches the pi'actically constant valuea'long the curve109 dur,-

ing which the storage is removed. Iii this ini trode potential drops along curve 115` andthe electrode D becomes' an anode, or changes its functional character. .i

Referring to the functional character, 'it is ordinarily understood that a cathodic electrode is oneV having ac-urrent flowing to itfrom the solution. Liltewise the anodic clectrode is commonlyunderstood to be onev from wliich'current flows to the solution. v In dis; cussing the -functionsof electrodes as used'in this invention; the, above. terms are not strictly apt, since an electrode is here considered funci tionallyy as ycathode while current flows from -fodic activityalon l vtermediate state 'of it to the solution.` In inakingthe change of functional character, Ii have `slfiovi'f'n the true cathodic'acti'vity (Fig. at"113, the an'- fr 115 extended,and an inodein the common sense. This-situation may likewise betrue for lthe anode as wellasfor the cathode."y To such states I have ascribed respectively-.the 4terms anathodic andA cathafroin twohafspects, one,vdire`ction ofcurrent, and two, polarization.

p An anathode is an electrode receivingcur- 'j rent as a cathode, which current is removing the stored energy produced by its prior fune tioiiing. as an anode.

4shown in two parts.; 'l

curve did not include the dotted portion of' the cathodic states.

activity 109V, in which the electrodefis vstrictly neither cathode norfan-4 electrode types areherein defined VAn anathodey is an anodically polarized electrode conducting a depolarizing current and is in unstable equilibrium, shifting from one eXtreme as an anode toward the other extreme as a cathode.

A cathanode is an electrode receiving current as an anode, which current is removing energy produced by its prior functioning as a cathode. v VA cathanode is a cathodically' polarized electrode conducting a depolarizing current and is in unstable equilibrium, shifting from one eXtreme as a cathode toward the other extreme as an anode. o

In accordance with the Vabove definitions, the so-c`alled positive plate of a lead storage cell is an anode during the charging operation, and is any anathode during the discharge. Referring again to Fig. 13 the liiie111 is he actually measured line 111, butjran along the heavy portion 116. This is caused by complications arising from passing through the cathanodicstate, to the anodic. and thence through the anathodic to During the anathodic state corrosion ofthe lead to lead sulphate takes place. lIn those `circumstances where such a-corrosion is desired it is possible to ap? ply this invention to produce it where it would not ordinarily Occur. And it may likewise be so applied as to avoid its acci?` dental occurrence in the otherwise blind ap plication of cyclic currents.

In'the foregoing a depolarizer has not been iiientioned'where reverse current has been used. Referring to Fig. 12, if a depolarizer were present, the liberated products would be distributed between thecapacity of the depolarizer for absorption and the electrode for storage. Consequently the rise of curve ,111v to its maximum .would be delayed and the products in the meantime would` bedischarged` at a lower potential over 'a greater part of the' cycle.. As already stated thisis the desired object of this use of the invention.`

In Fig. 14. lcurve 117 shows a composite of a niiniberof curves corresponding to the curves l111 and 112 produced in the absence of depolarizvers'. Curve 118' shows a compositeof anumber of curves produced with-V various depolarizers. The; original curves from which the composite curves 117 and 118 have been derived-were produced under conditio-ns varying in time and .current density,` to suchan extent that mutual comparisons Awould* be quite impossible. `When compared on the couloinb scalethey fall into two gen-.

'eral types vasreprfesented by the composite Ycurves 117 and 118.4 They show that 4in the. presence of a depolarizer a prolonged period of lowerpotential exists for the electrode during which the products discharged may be absorbed at a potential below the, maximum polarizing potential of a continuous dia e if rect current. During this period the electrode seeks to arrive at the maximum potential as evidenced by the upward tendency of the curve'llS. By removing the accumulating energy this may be prevented. .It is evident from the foregoing thatthis may be accomplished by a period of idleness for the electrode or by a period of reverse current. By means of the device 28 the prevailing conditions may be determined and the variables in the electric circuit so controlled as to secure the 'desired results, chielv. to break the current before the electrode lattains any predetermined maximum value.

Referring to Fig. 14, assume that at the point 119 in curve 118. the maximumdesire'd potential has been attained. Assume that some undesired product is formed above this potential and not below it. Therefore it is possible to keep this product from forming by reversing the current before or 'at reaching the point 119. l

In practice, the control in doing this is not so complicatedas Vthe `procedure just Aset forth in deriving the illustrative curves..

Such procedure has been `iven'to explain the full possibilities of the invention,` and to illustrate the manner of correcting` measurements made 'during .the liow of current. Referring to Fig. 10, it is seen that there are two points 95 and 99,\vhe1'e the current is zero. By setting the potentiometer to measure a Zero value the vdevice 28 may be set at the point in the cycle Wherethe current is zero. Two such locations will be found corresponding to the points 95 'and 99. By throwing the switch. 8O tothe potential side, the electrode potential may be measured directly without any extraneous potential bef ing included, since nonejexists. e By following the potentials at'th'ese points and regulating the controls for the time of the cycle, and the current clensities,"the course of the elec- 'trode potential throughout the cycle may be made to fall within prescribed limits.

In .tl'ieforegoing I have set forth in detail the methods of hastening. the depolarization by the flow of reverse current, and' the method of self depolarization by a period of idleness, but have not set forth method for ,slowing down the self"depolarization. It is' obvious. now. that-.the principi.I o'fjthe methoel have been setf'fortlr,"thatlftlieltflotv of ai;

- minimum amountofeiirrent willreplenish ifo-jv I Claimv as my invention some extent the energy lostlby the natural dissipation. This iis best;exemplifiedzinfa -Cellil containing a depolariz'erz. In this fease thej products discharged aredistributedbetween the depolarizer, for absorption thereby,"and the electrode, for storage thereby. When the current is lessened the capacity-of the depo-. 1f

` la riz/.er may draw from the storage, and there- 'by gradually reduce the potential ofthe electrode. Fig. 15 is shown to illustrate a case of this kind. A combined alternating eurusoidal direct current.

rent and direct current was used in which the alternating current was not great enough to form ai reverse current, resulting in a sin- -Curve 120 correspends to the` heavy cyclic curve of Fig. 11 in which the simultaneous values of current and Apotential aregplotted. The linear portion 121 of theourvegiyes the correction for the eX- traneousvalue measured as represented by the line.122.; Correcting curve 1.20, as here- ,tofore set forth by deducting the curve 122 therefrom, .the true electrode potential. is represented byit-he dotted curve 123 havinga txammer llooped portion. In this portion the upper v ing potential measurements and tests upon each electrode being utilized, and at each instance of operation. It will of course be understood by those skilled in the art that duplieation of apparatus and conditions aceording to a control'is also contemplated. Also the determination of a Workingprocedure by means of applying the invention and the vsubsequent design and control of apparatus, according to the procedure developedl in' the manner of a competent engineer or operator, are equally considered to be Within the scope of the invention as expressedv in the appended claims. 'These conditionsare herein disclosed by that part of the foregoing descrip- 4tion relating to the electrode"hetv` and' -9) which is described as duplicating theelectrede D Which has been chosen as'. the'ontrol' electrode.

It is obvious that this -inventioninay be I applied in a variety vofw'ays in eleetrolytie Work Without any departure from the princiv ples herein set forth. And itis not necessary that an electrolytie c ell with asolutionithere- -in bev the conducting. medium betw'e'ei'i" vvthe electrodes., Iii-the appended claims. I aim to f set ffortlr the inventionin' its broadest ,aspect in Whatever 4fields' vone Vseekslto employ` iti? I .The methodof current application/to -a conducting medium.through` a'n-.e'leetrode,` j 'lf 'tv ljricli comprises passing in' .repeating cycles anon-constant@urteilt though'an electrode Hand-'ia' conducting;y medium, controlling the current vstrength-and the time of action to eifeot'fdesired relation between theelectrode and the medium, and passing acorresponding non-constant current at the same density through an electrode of similar electrode ma'- terial'anda simitar medium to duplicatethe condition of thel rst electrode. V

2. The method `of current application to-'a conducting medium through an` electrode, which comprises passing in repeating cycles a non-constant current through an lelectrode and a conducting medium," ascertaining the eii'ectot current strengthand time of action at any partof the cycle,l subsequently passing lo a similar type of non-,constant current in reand. a similar medium at the sam'ecurrent density, and` controllingsaid last 'mentioned non-constant current in accordance with -the ascertained results; i

' 3. A systemjor using current comprising,

in combination, ai conducting medium, an electrode in said medium, means to supply 4 continuous current through said. electrode,`

o other. electrodes in said medium, means to produce a cyclic current through each of said other electrodes, said means in` combination with said ,other electrodes being an electrode system permitting the liowgof continuouscurv rent through the first electrode, yand measuring means associated-with said system to der. termine electricalvalues atany point in the 4:. A `system forl usingcurrent comprlslng,

1n comb1nat1on, a 'conducting medium', an electrode system 1n said medium, means to supply continuous current through said elec-.

trode system, other electrodes in'said medium, means i to' produce a cyclic currentV through each of said otherelectrodes, saidY means permittingltheflow of contlnuouscurrent from theiirstelectrode systemthrough some one of said other electrodes, and a measuring device for determining the effect 40 of saidl currents within any part of the cycle;

.5. A systemfor using current comprising,

, yin combination, a conduct-ing: medium',.san electrode in said medium, means to 'supplycontinuous current through said electrode,

other electrodes in said medium, means to produce in each ofsaid otherelectrodes re-v peating cycles 'of current passing pulsatingly in saidV other electrodes 'inf the direction ofn flow ofjthe rst mentioned current through said rst electrode,`said last mentioned means permitting the flow ofcontinuous'current .through said first electrode, and meansto' measure the effect/'of 4such -currentswithin any part of the cyc1e.

6. A system for usingcurrent comprising, combination, i a A4conducting medium, an electrode system in" said medium, means to supply` continuous current through said elec* trode system other electrodes insaid `medium, means to' produce ineaclrof said other electrodes repeating cycles of current passing 'pulsatingly'in said other electrodes in the direction of iow ofthe first mentioned'current through said first electrode system, said 65 last mentionedmeans permittingthe How of peatin'gI cycles through -a similar 'ele'ctrovde` .strength ratio of continuous current through s'aidtirst elec- 'trode'systenn and a measuring device synchronously related-tesaid cycle producing means. A

7. system for using current comprising,

in combination, a conducting medium, three electrode systems therein, the first system beingadapted to lcarry a continuous current` between said system and the medium, means to produce in .the other two systems current in repeating cycles, each of said cyclesincluding an active. period during which the current -'through the irst system passes 'to determine the effect of the current at any part of the cycle.

, -8., A system' for using current comprising; '1n combination, a conducting medlum, an

current transmis!v sion, comprising, 1n com mation, a conduct-V throughone of said other systems, and `mea`ns cal center of said generator to the continuous ing medium,' .an electrode system therein,

means to supply continuouscurrent through' saidsystem, oneterminal of said means beingl f Iconnected to the electrode system,two electrodes in 'said vmedium connected respectivelyI to theterminals of an alternating current generator, :a connection from the electricalv center o fsaid generator to the other terminal of 'the continuous current supplying Vmeans, whereby said two electrodes are elecloo trically equivalent, and means to vary the i direct currents.

fconnected to the electrode system, two electhe alternating and the 10; A system forl using current .transmis-n "ing, medium, an electrode system therein,`

trodes 4in said medium connected respectively to the terminals Vof analternating current generator, a' connection 'from the electrical center of said generator to the other terminal vof the continuous current supplying means, whereby said two electrodes are electrically equivalent, means to fvary Vthe strength ratir between'the alternating and the direct currents, and measuring means synchronously 'related` to -said generator for determining within the cycles of the'system controla n 11; In

various electrical'values for the purpose of- Velectric current transmission throiigh a conducting medium having an electrode therein,- the method of passing re.

izo

peating cycles of current through said elec- I trode, one part of said cycle being a chari u l y 1 i i l v L-vll vuil.

AND WAVE ENERGY.

acteristically functioning current, and meas-y uring the electrode potential `between saidmedium and said electrode at `any part of trode, one part of said cycle being a characteristically 'functioning current, and an-4 other part of said cycle being relatively reverse current, and measuring the electrode potential between said medium and said electrode at any part ofthe cycle.

I 13. The method of passing current between an electrode andv a-conducting medium, comprising, passing in repeating cycles intermittent positive pulses of current, passing alternate negative pulses of current, and measuring the electrode potential at any part of the cycle.

14. Ilie method of passingcurrent between an electrode and a conducting medium, comprising, passing in repeating cycles intermit- `v tent positive pulses of current,A passing alternate negative pulses of current,and measuring the electrode potential in the cycle at any point of zero current.

. 15. The method of control for current between an electrode and a conducting medium, comprising, passing in repeating cycles intermittent positive pulses of current, passing alternate negative pulses of current', measuring the electrode potential in the cycle at any point of Zero current, and controlling the current values and the time of action of the current toeffect a predetermined value at said point of measurement.

16. In electrolysis; the method of passing through an electrode cyclic reversing current whereby to produce alternately one of the two characteristic electrode functions and the ensuing stage which approaches the -other characteristic function, and determining 4the extent of said functioning for the purpose of control.

17. In electrolysis, the method of passing throughV an. electrode cyclic "current, and measuring the electrical values in any part of the cycle for` the purpose ofV predetermined having another portion in which the current flows in the other direction', determining the potential of the electrode at various points iii the cycle, and controlling the quantity of l electricity in the'periods of the cycle to prevent a change Ain the functional character of the electrode.

19. A method of passing through an electrode a sequence of electrolysis 'comprising repeating cycles of current, .the current during the major portion of the cycle causing the electrode to have one characteristic function, the current during the remainder of the cyclebeing opposed in polarity to the currentl during the first portion of the cycle, determining the functional .character of the electrode, and controlling the current and the periods of the cycle toprevent a change in functional character of the electrode by the effect'of the opposing current.

20. A method of conducting electrolysis which' comprises passing a non-constaiit lcurrent through 'an electrode, said current having values repeating in-similar`cycles, and. controlling the values of said current and the period of the cycle to effect a predetermined control orerthe `electrical potential at any part of the cycle.. 'I

21. A method of conducting electrolysis which comprises passing a vnon-constant current through an electrode, said current `hav- Examiner ing values repeating in similar cycles, said values including zero values, and controlling theivalues of, said current, the duration' of said values, and the period of ,the cycle to effect a predetermined control over the electrode potentiell 22. A method of conducting -electrolysis which-comprises passingr a non-constant current through an electrode, said current hav- 'ing values repeating insimilar cycles, said values including zero values and relatively positive and negative values, and controllingl the cycle, the value s of the current, and the y time of action ofthe current at thedifl'erent values'whereby to effect a predetermined control over the electrode potential.

.24. A method of controlling electrolysis comprising passing in repeating lcycles a non-constant current lof varying Values including Zero values and relatively positive and negative values,l and controlling the period-of the cycle, the values of the current and the time of action of the .Current of the different types of values .whereby to effect a predetermined controlv over the electrode potential.

25. A method of controlling electrolysis of a conducting mediumcontaining a depolarizer, comprising passing in repeatingcycles anon-constant current of varying valuesincluding zero values, and controlling the period. of the cycle, the values of the current, and the.' time of action of the current at the different values whereby to effect a predetermined control over the electrode po-4 -tentialasthe polarizer.

2 6. A method of controlling electrolysis of-y a\ conducting' c medium containing a i depolarizer, comprising passing inrepeatin'g cycles a\ non-constant"current of .varying values including zero values and relatively l l positive and negative'values,and'controlling the lperiod of the cycle, the-values' ofthe fcur- ,rent, andthe time of action of the current ofthe different' types of'values whereby to efeet apredetermined control o ver'the elecj trode potential as the'pote'ntialis affected by the depolarizer.

' 27.` A method of'passin'g current between an electrode and a conducting medium containing a depolarizer comprising passing in j repeating cycles intermittent positive pulses of current, passing alternate negative pulses.

of current, measuring the electrode otential at any part of the c cle, and vcontro ling the current values and t c tinie of passage ofthe,

' -pulses of current wherebyto' hold the electrochemical actijon of; the e1ectrode ,on the dei polarizer within desired limits.

between `of current, measuring the electrode potential in the cycle at any point of zero current, and -'controlling the current values and the time of passa e of the-'pulses of current wherebyV 'as to hold t e electrochemical' action of the electrode on'the depolarizer within desired'limit-s.

.29..A method-of Vcontrol for current be tween anelectrode and a conductingmedium containing a depolarizer-comprising passing in repeatingcycles intermittent positive pulses of current,"nieasuring the electrode potential in the cycle at any point of zero' cur- ".rent, and controlling the' current-values and the time ofactioirofthepulses of current to eiect a predetermined value of the electrode potential at said point o-measurement whereby to control theA electrochemical action of .the depolarizer. v

30'. In electrolysis'in a medium containing a depolarizer, the-method of passing through an electrodecyclic, reversing current where'- byt'o produce alternately one of the two characteristic electrode functions andthe ensuing stage which approaches the'other 'characteristic function, 4and determining the extent of said functioning whereby to control the elec-A trochemical action of the depolarizer at predetermined limits of the electrode potential.

A3l.4 In electrolysis, the method of passing through an electrode acting on a depolarizer a cyclic current, and measurin the electrical. 4Values in any part of the cycle or the purpose4 of controlling the electrochemical reaction of the depolarizer between predetermined electrode potentials.`

potential 'is aiected'by thedeprisi'ng the steps of passing throughan electrode an electric current in a sequence of repeating cycles, each of saidcycles having one portion in which current flows in one direction and having another portion'in which the current flows, in -the other direction, determin'ing the potential o the electrodeat various points in the cycle and controlling the quantity of electricity in the 'periods of the cycle to prevent a change in 'theA` functional 'character of the electrode eifected in part by the depolarizer and the current. f

.33. A methodof electrolysis inra medium 32. A of 'electrolysis in a conduct ing medium containing a depolarizer' coml n i l I o c 'I containing a depolarizer 'comprising passing f through an electrode in sequence repeating cycles of current, the current during thema-- jor portion of the cycle causing the electrode i to have\one` characteristic function, the cur.'- rent during the remainder ofthe cycle being Opposed in polarit7 to the current uring the' iii-st portion of t e cycle,

determina the functional characten of the electrode, an con- Y trolling the current,the eriod of the,cycle,

and the duration of the ierent portionsof the cycle, to prevent. a change inthe functional character of the electrode by the elect of the .opposingl current' acting in- -combinai tion with; the e polari'zer on -said electrode.

'34. A method of electrical transmission .comprisin passing a continuous iow of u'ni-A directiona current within an electrode sys` tem in a conducting medium containing a de"- polarizer, conducting vsaid current through a plurality of other electrodes in said medium with an intermittent flow 'of said current in each of said other electrodes, and controlling lthe intermittent lowin accordance with pre-` determined conditionsdetermined in part by the character of thedepolarizer.`

35. A method of electrolysis comprising passing successive impulses of uni-directional electricity through an electrode of an electrocyclic cell containing a'depolarizer, the quan- -tity of electricity passing at each impulse be ion ing insuicient to raise the electrode to its maximum polarized potential, the time interval between impulses being suliicient to permit the depolarizer to partially destroy the electrochemical effects of the-previous impulses, measuring said effects, and controlling the current to maintain `predetermined conditions.- I

36. A system .for using currenthtra'nsmission comprising, in combination, 'a conducting medium containing a depolarizer, an elec trode in said medium, means to supply con tinuous current through said electrode, othei electrodes in said medium, meansto produce a cyclic current through each of saidother electrodes, said means inV combination with said other electrodes being an electrode system permitting the -iiow of continuous current `through the first electrode, and measuring #means associated with said system to deteri ting the flow of continuous current through y through said first electrode system, said last mine electrical values atanyv point in the cycle.

37. -A system for using current transmission comprising, in combination, a conducting medium containing a depolarizer,-an electrode system in said medium, means to supply continuous current through 4said electrode system, other electrodes in said niediun1, means to produce a cyclic current through each of said other electrodes, said means permitting the flow of continuous current from the first electrode system through some one of said other electrodes, and a measuring device for determining the effect' of said currents within the'cycle.

38. A system for usingcurrent transmission comprising, in combination, a conducting medium, containing a depolarizer, an electrode in said medium, means to sup lyrcontinuous current through said electronie, other electrodes in said medium, means to produce' in each of said other electrodes repeatingy cycles of current passing pulsatingly in said other electrodes in the directionof flow of the first mentioned current through said 'first electrode, said last mentioned meanspermitsaid iirst electrode, and means 4to measure the eect of such currents; within any part o f the cycle.

39. A system for using current transmission comprising, in combination, a conducting medium containing a depolarizer, an electrode system in said medium, means to supply continuous current through said electrode system, other electrodes in said' medium means to .produce in each of said other electrodes repeating cycles of current passing pulsatingly in said other electrodes inthe direction of iow of the first mentioned current mentioned means permitting the flow o continuous current through said irst electrode' system, and a measuring device synchronousv ly related .to said cycle producing means. Y 40. A system for using electric current f v comprising, in combination, a conducting medium containing a depolarizer, three electrode systems therein, the first system'being adapted to carry a continuous current between said system and the medium, means to produce in the other two systems current in repeating cycles, each of said cycles including an active period during which the .current through the first system passes through one of said other systems, and means-to4 determine the eiect of the current at any part of the cycle. 4

' 41. A system for using current transmission, comprising( in combination, a conducting medium containing a depolarizer, an electrode system therein, means to supply continnous curientthrough said system, two electrodes in said medium connected respectively to the terminals of an alternating current' generator, a connection from the electrical center of said generator to tli'e continuous current supplying means, whereby said two electrodes are electrically equivalent.

Y 42. A system for using current transmission, comprising, in combination, av conducting medium containing a depolarizer, an electrode system therein, means to supply continuous current through said system, one terminal of said means being Vconnected to the electrode system, two electrodes in saidmedium connected respectively to the terminals of an alternating current generator, a connection from the electrical center of said generatorto the other terminal of the continuous current supplying means, whereby said two electrodes are electrically equivalent, and means to vary the strength ratio of the alternating and the direct currents.

43. ,'Asystem for using current transmission, comprising, in combination, a conducting electrode system therein, means to supply continuous current' through said system,one

terminal of said means being connected to the Velectrode system, 'two electrodes in said memedium containing. a depolarizer, an'

dium connected'respectively to the terminals of an alternating current generator, a connection from the electrical center` of said generatorto the other terminal of the continuous current supplying'means, whereby tioning current, and measuring the electrode potential between said medium and said electrode at any part of the cycle to control the .electrochemical action of the electrode .and

the depolarizer.

45. In electric current transmission through a conducting mediumhaving an electrode therein, said medium containingl -a depolarizer, the methodof passing repeating cycles of current-through said electrode, one part of said cycle being positively l:functioning current, and another part ofsaid cycle being relatively reverse current, and measuring the electrode potential between said medium and said electrode at any part of the cycle to control the electrochemical actionv of the electrode and the depolarizer. I

46. In an electrical circuit, a local circuit having in series an alternating current generator, an electrode, a conducting medium and ase'c'ond electrode, said localA circuit'beingv connected into the given circuit on one side by an electrode `in the, conducting medium .and on theA other side at a point which isthe electrical center ofV thealte'rnating current l generator.

47. In combination a conducting medium,

agroup of more than two electrodes in said medium,' means to' supply current to said medium through at least twoof said electrodes insuch a manner that the medium is constantly conducting current, meansassociated with some two of said .electrodes to `vary the current through them inrepeating through an electrode a controlled cyclic current which reverses within the c cle whereby to producek `alternately -one of t e two characteristic electrode, functions and the ensuing intermediate stage which approaches the other characteristic function. 4 49. :The methodA of electrolysis Vin a medium containing' a depolarizerwhich comprises passing through an electrode-immersed f in said medium a controlled cyclic reversing currentwhereby to .produce alternately oneof the two, characteristic electrodeV functions and the ensuing intermediate stage which ap.-

proaches the othercharacteristic function.

50. The method of electrolysis which comprises passing-a controlled cyclic current through an electrode Vandati conducting medium, whereby to produce between the electrode and the medlum a potential which is 'controlled bythe current between predeter-V mined limits within the anodic and cathodic extremes of potential.

51.` In an electrical circuit, a local circuit having 1n series an inductlon coil, an electrode, a conducting medium and a second Y electrode, said local circuit being connected 'into the given circuit on one side by an electrodel in the conducting medium andV on the l other side at a oint which is the electrical center of the in uction coil.

In. testimony whereof, Iv have hereunto.A

affixed my signature. l W. BARTLETT JONES. 

